TSA eases rule for duty-free carry-on liquids

This past Friday, the Transportation Security Administration began to allow liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces to be carried on domestic flights by inbound international passengers, provided the items were bought in duty-free stores and are properly secured. Here’s what the TSA said:

Beginning January 31, 2014, passengers traveling internationally into the United States with a connecting flight will be permitted to carry liquids in excess of 100 mL in their carry-on baggage, provided they were purchased in duty-free shops and placed in secure, tamper-evident bags (STEBs).

Technological advances may allow passengers to keep these liquids in their carry-on baggage, provided they are presented in a STEB and are able to be screened and cleared by Transportation Security Officers at the checkpoint.

Liquids that cannot be screened and cleared will not be allowed to remain in a passenger’s carry-on baggage. Passengers may elect to place these items into checked baggage, if available, or forfeit them prior to entering the secure area of the airport. This may include liquids in opaque, ceramic, or metallic bottles, or other containers that cannot be effectively scanned.

If you’re flying in from overseas to Philadelphia,Chicago, Atlanta or another hub, and you’re catching your connecting flight to Albany, you’ll more likely be able to carry that bottle of cognac, or perfume or other liquid onto your domestic connection after clearing customs and immigration. Previously, you would have had to check the bag containing the oversize bottle, risking breakage and ruined clothing.